Government of Windenburg

The Government of Windenburg is the executive administrative authority of the Simlish state of Windenburg. The Government of Windenburg was formed in 1856 following the ratification of the Windenburg Constitution and the first elections to the State Parliament. This was caused by the federation of the Republic of Simland, which then became the Federal Republic of Simland. At that time Windenburg was the first state to ratify it's constitution, making the Government of Windenburg the oldest of the state governments. The relationship between the federal and state government is determined by the Windenburg Constitution and the 12th Amendment to the Constitution of Simland.

Executive and Judicial Powers
Legislative power rests with the Parliament of the State of Windenburg, which consists of the President, represented by the Governor of Windenburg, and the two Houses, the Windenburg State Senate (upper house) and the Windenburg House of Representatives (lower house). Executive powers rest primarily with the Governor, however upon their appointment as to the First Ministership, the powers are granted to the First Minister and other senior Ministers. The Governor, as representative of the President, is the formal repository of power, however most of these powers are exercised by the First Minister and other senior Ministers. Powers defined as 'executive powers' are granted to the First Minister and other Ministers upon their appointment, whereas powers defined as 'reserved powers' are retained by the Governor. For example, the power to appoint and dismiss Ministers is originally held by the Governor, however it is transferred to the First Minister upon their appointment. Likewise, the power to give assent to Acts of State Parliament is reserved by the Governor as it would be inappropriate for the First Minister to hold such a power.

Judicial power is exercised by the Supreme Court of Windenburg and lower courts, however the Supreme Court of Simland and other federal courts have overriding jurisdiction on matters outlined in the 12th Amendment and the Windenburg Constitution.

Ministries
The following individuals serve as government ministers at the pleasure of the First Minister, excluding the First Minister who serves at the pleasure of the Governor.

Office of the First Minister and State Cabinet
The department of the state government responsible for the activities of the First Minister and the State Cabinet. It is led by the First Minister and the Permanent Secretary. Located at the First Minister’s Residence.

Ministry of Finance
The department of the state government responsible for the state’s finances. It is responsible for taxes, borrowing and state economic policy. It is led by the Finance Minister. Located in the Capitol building.

Ministry of the State
The department of the state government responsible for state affairs. It is led by the Minister for the State. Located in the Capitol building.

Department for Local Government
The department of the state government responsible for the administration and oversight of local city, county and district governments. It is led by the Minister for Local Government.

Department for Education
The department of the state government responsible for establishing and maintaining state schools. They are responsible for ensuring the national curriculum is delivered to students. It is led by the Minister for Education. Located in the Capitol building.

Department of Justice
The department of the state government responsible for establishing and maintaining the state justice system. It also provides oversight for the state intelligence agency, the Windenburg Investigation Agency. It is led by the Minister for Justice. Located in the Capitol building.

Department for Regulation
The department of the state government responsible for enforcing regulations passed by the state and federal legislatures. It is led by the Minister for Regulation.

Department of Public Health
The department of the state government responsible for administering public healthcare. It is led by the Minister for Public Health.

Department of Transport
The department of the state government responsible for roads and intrastate public transport. It is led by the Minister for Transport.

Department of Licensing
The department of the state government responsible for granting licenses, certificates and permits. It is led by the Minister for Licensing.

Department of Parks and Public Spaces
The department of the state government responsible for establishing and maintaining state parks and public spaces. Note that local parks responsibilities are designated to local governments. It is led by the Minister for Parks and Public Spaces.